Mobile terminal and interface method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal and an interface method thereof for connecting external devices, such as an adapter, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, a docking station, an accessory, and the like, to the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes a battery, a connector including a pin for data communication and first and second power pins for charging the battery, a memory for storing a reference voltage indicating a dedicated adapter of the battery, and a controller for receiving a voltage input from the first and second power pins, for recognizing an external device connected with the connector as the dedicated adapter when a voltage input from the pin for data communication is the reference voltage, and for charging the battery with power input to the first and second power pins.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of a prior applicationSer. No. 13/413,167, filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which claimed the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Mar. 21,2011 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No.10-2011-0024814, the entire disclosure of each of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and an interfacemethod thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to amobile terminal and an interface method thereof for connecting externaldevices, such as an adapter, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, adocking station, an accessory, and the like, to the mobile terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

A mobile terminal may be a smart phone, a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a video game machine, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB)receiver, a Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) Audio Layer-3 (MP3)player, a camera, and the like. The mobile terminal needs a chargingconnector for charging a battery. Furthermore, the mobile terminal mayinclude a connector for exchanging data with the external device. Inaddition, the mobile terminal may include various connectors accordingto a type thereof.

In recent years, there is a need for extension of an interface in themobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal needs to include a lowvoltage charging connector and a high voltage charging connector inconsideration of a charging time and capacity of a battery. Furthermore,the mobile terminal needs to include various types of connectors, suchas an audio input/output connector and a video input/output connector.With regard to an extension request, if the mobile terminal includesvarious types of connectors, an external appearance thereof may lookpoor. Furthermore, there is much limitation to design the size andthickness.

Therefore, a need exists for a mobile terminal for implementing variousinterfaces by one connector and a method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are to address the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is toprovide a mobile terminal for implementing various interfaces by oneconnector and a method thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminalfor recognizing a type of an external device connected to one connector.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminalis provided. The terminal includes a battery, a connector including apin for data communication and first and second power pins for chargingthe battery, a memory for storing a reference voltage indicating adedicated adapter of the battery, and a controller for recognizing anexternal device connected with the connector as the dedicated adapterwhen a voltage is input from the first and second power pins and avoltage input from the pin for data communication is the referencevoltage, and for charging the battery by power input to the first andsecond power pins.

The connector may further comprise a battery pin for receiving powerduring a process or development, a jig on pin for reporting powerreception from the first and second power pins to an exterior, and a pinfor transmitting and receiving a testing signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobileterminal is provided. The terminal includes a connector including a pinfor detecting an accessory and a pin for identifying the accessory, amemory for storing a reference table and for identifying the accessory,and a controller for comparing a voltage input from the pin and foridentifying the accessory with the reference table when a voltage inputfrom the pin for detecting the accessory changes to recognize a type ofan accessory connected with the connector.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an interfacemethod of a mobile terminal including a connector with a pin for datacommunication and first and second power pins for charging the batteryof the mobile terminal is provided. The method includes determiningwhether a voltage input from the pin for data communication is apredefined reference voltage when a voltage is input from the first andsecond power pins, recognizing an external device connected with theconnector as a dedicated adapter of a battery when the voltage inputfrom the pin for data communication is the predefined reference voltage,and charging the battery with power input from the first and secondpower pins when the external device connected with the connector isrecognized as the dedicated adapter of the battery.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may implement variousinterfaces by one connector and recognize a type of an external deviceconnected to the connector. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may use one connector as a testing port from adeveloping stage of a product to a production stage thereof and varioustypes of adaptors may connect with one connector to charge a battery.Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have an effect thatconsumers may connect various accessories to the mobile terminal to useit.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is an elevated view illustrating a male connector according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a plan view illustrating a male connector according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a female connector accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an elevated view illustrating a female connector according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a female connectortaken along dotted line A-A′ according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an adapter and a mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an accessory and a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a docking station according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal and a dockingstation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a keypad and a mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and adocking station.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar elements, features, andstructures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not forthe purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in theart, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect thecharacteristic was intended to provide.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile terminaland an interface method thereof for connecting external devices, such asan adapter, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, a docking station, anaccessory, and the like, to the mobile terminal.

FIGS. 1A through 10, discussed below, and the various exemplaryembodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure inthis patent document are by way of illustration only and should not beconstrued in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the principles of the presentdisclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communicationssystem. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. Itshould be understood that these are provided to merely aid theunderstanding of the description, and that their use and definitions inno way limit the scope of the invention. Terms first, second, and thelike are used to differentiate between objects having the sameterminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronologicalorder, unless where explicitly state otherwise. A set is defined as anon-empty set including at least one element.

FIG. 1A is an elevated view illustrating a male connector according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan viewillustrating a male connector according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a male connector 10 may include a housing11, a pin positioning portion 12, a plurality of pins 13, elasticportions 14, and a frame 15. The pin positioning portion 12 is disposedinside the housing 11. The plurality of pins 13 are disposed in aplurality of grooves 12 a that are formed at the pin positioning portion12. The elastic portions 14 are disposed at both sides of the housing11. The frame 15 supports the housing 11.

In the foregoing construction, as shown in FIG. 1A, a front surface ofthe housing 11 is open such that the housing 11 connects with a femaleconnector. The pin positioning portion 12 is disposed inside the housing11. Furthermore, the housing 11 forms a space 11 a therein such that apin positioning portion of a female connector, to be described later,may be inserted in the housing 11 to contact with the pin positioningportion 12 of the mail connector 10 side.

The plurality of pins 13 are disposed in a plurality of grooves 12 a,which are formed at the pin positioning portion 12. The number of theplurality of grooves 12 a may be thirty. However, the number of thegrooves 12 a is not limited thereto but may be modified by design. Here,the pins 13 may be disposed in the plurality of grooves 12 a, but maybedisposed in some of them as shown in FIG. 1A. In other words, the numberof the pins 13 may be determined according to utilization of the maleconnector 10. For example, if a cable including the male connector 10 islimited only for data communication, it is unnecessary to dispose pins13 in all of the grooves 12 a. That is, it would be sufficient todispose pins 13 in only corresponding grooves 12 a.

A plurality of pins 13 have elasticity and partially protrude from thegrooves 12 a to an exterior, as shown in FIG. 1A. When being insertedinto the housing 11, a pin positioning portion of a female connectorside adheres tightly to a pin of a female connector side.

The elastic portions 14 enable the male connector 10 to be tightlyinserted in a female connector. The elastic portions 14 are disposed ingrooves (not shown) formed at both sides of the housing 11 and partiallyprotrude to the outside, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a female connector accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is anelevated view illustrating a female connector according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a fragmentary sectionalview illustrating a female connector taken along dotted line A-A′according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, a female connector 20 may include ahousing 21, a pin positioning portion 22, and a plurality of pins 23.The pin positioning portion 22 is disposed inside the housing 21. Theplurality of pins 23 are disposed in a plurality of grooves 22 a whichare formed at the pin positioning portion 22.

In the foregoing structure, the housing 21 forms a space 21 a thereinand a front surface thereof is open such that the housing 11 of the maleconnector 10 may be inserted in the housing 21 of the female connector20. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, grooves 21 b are formed at bothinner sides of the housing 21. In this case, the elastic portions 14 areinserted in the grooves 21 b. As previously illustrated, the elasticportions 14 are inserted in the grooves 21 b. Accordingly, unless a userpulls out the male connector 10, the male connector 10 is tightlyinserted in the female connector 20.

The plurality of pins 23 are disposed in a plurality of grooves 22 a,which are formed at the pin positioning portion 22. The number of aplurality of grooves 22 a is the same as that of a plurality of grooves12 a.

Pins 23 may be disposed in the plurality of grooves 22 a, as shown inFIG. 2B, or in some of grooves 22 a. A mobile terminal mounts the femaleconnector 20 rather than the male connector 10. Consequently, forextension of an interface, pins are disposed in all of a plurality ofgrooves 22 a.

The plurality of pins 23 are disposed inside the pin positioning portion22. When the housing 11 of the male connector 10 is inserted into thehousing 21 of the female connector 20, the plurality of pins 23 contactwith the plurality of pins 13.

Table 1 below illustrates functions of pins according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As listed in Table 1, the number ofthe pins is thirty. All or some of the pins are disposed at theconnectors 10 or 20. In the following Table 1, Pin No. means a locationof a pin in a connector. A first pin is located in a groove formed at arightmost side of the pin positioning portion 12 or 22. A pin having aPin No. of a thirtieth pin is located in a groove formed at a leftmostside of the pin positioning portion 12 or 22.

TABLE 1 Pin No. Signal Name Functions 1 GND GND 2 GND GND 3 USB D+ +line of the differential bi- directional USB signal 4 USB D− − line ofthe differential bi- directional USB signal 5 JIG ON Power on pin for aprocess 6 Accessory Power Power supply pin (3.3 V, 150 mA) to accessory7 VBUS TA/USB Cable charging power 8 VBUS TA/USB Cable charging power 9Battery V_BAT for a process and development 10 Battery V_BAT for aprocess and development 11 Charging 12 V, 2 A For charging largecapacity (8~15 V DC) 12 Charging 12 V, 2 A For charging large capacity(8~15 V DC) 13 Accessory ID Accessory/USB ID (distinguish by ADC) 14Accessory Detect Pull-up→Accessory insertion→ recognize GND 15 GND GND16 GND GND 17 MHL D+ Differential MHL + output 18 MHL D− DifferentialMHL − output 19 CBUS For implementing MHL ID 20 UART RX UART RX 21 UARTTX UART TX 22 Reserved Reserved 23 Composite Video Analog Video Output24 Remote Sense Keypad input (distinguish by ADC port) 25 LINE-IN LAudio Input 26 LINE-IN R Audio Input 27 LINE-OUT L Audio Output 28LINE-OUT R Audio Output 29 Reserved Reserved 30 GND GND

Hereinafter, an adapter, a docking station, an accessory, and a mobileterminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present, will bedescribed based on the foregoing connector and Table 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an adapter and a mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, an adapter 30 may include a plug 31, a converter32, a connector 33, and a boost circuit 34. The plug 31 connects with anoutlet that supplies an Alternating Current (AC) power. The converter 32converts the AC power input from the plug 31 into a Direct Current (DC)power (e.g., 5V/2 A). The connector 33 includes the first, second,third, fourth, seventh, and eighth pins. The boost circuit 34 boosts theDC power input from the converter 32 to, for example, 1.16V and outputsthe boosted voltage to the third and fourth pins. The boost circuit 34boosts the DC power to a Ground (GND) and outputs the boosted power tothe first and second pins. Here, the converted DC power from theconverter 32 bypasses the seventh and eighth pins.

Furthermore, the adapter 30 may be used for charging large capacity. Theconverter 32 may convert AC power into, for example, 12V/2 A, 12V/5 Afor charging large capacity, and output converted power to twelfth andthirteenth pins being pins for charging large capacity instead of theseventh and eighth pins. The adapter 30 may further include a converterfor charging large capacity as well as the converter 32. The converterfor charging large capacity may be connected with twelfth and thirteenthpins.

Moreover, because the adapter 30 includes an additional connector aswell as the connector 33, it may be used as a data cable capable ofperforming data communication between two devices. As a result, theadapter 30 may transmit and receive data through the third and fourthpins of the connector 33.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a mobile terminal 40 may include a connector41, a battery 42, a memory 44, and a controller 43. The controller 43recognizes a type of an external device connected to the connector 41and charges the battery based on the recognized information. Theconnector 41 may include all of thirty pins for extension of aninterface.

The following are main functions of the controller 43. If a voltage isapplied to a Voltage BUS (VBUS) connected to first and second pins, thecontroller 43 determines whether a differential signal is input throughUSB D+ and D− lines connected to the third and fourth pins,respectively. If the differential signal is not input, the controller 43recognizes a connected external device as an adapter. If thedifferential signal is input, the controller 43 recognizes the externaldevice as a USB data cable with a charging function. If charging powerinput from the seventh and eighth pins is in the range of rated power,for example, from 5 W to 20 W, the controller 43 charges the battery 42.On the other hand, if the charging power input from the seventh andeighth pins is beyond the range of rated power, the controller 43 doesnot charge the battery 42. For example, if the input charging power isless than 5 W, the controller 43 recognizes that a charging time is longand does not charge the battery 42. If the input charging power isgreater than 5 W, the controller 43 recognizes that the battery lifeshortens due to overcharging and does not charge the battery 42.

Furthermore, the controller 43 determines whether a connected adapter isa dedicated adapter suitable for rated power of the mobile terminal 40.As the determined result, if the connected adapter is the dedicatedadapter, the controller 43 charges the battery 42. If the connectedadapter is a non-dedicated adapter, the controller 43 does not chargethe battery 42. In the foregoing procedure, if the external device isrecognized as the adapter, the controller 43 determines a voltage of USBD+ and D− lines. If the determined voltage is, for example, 1.16V inconsideration of a set error range, the controller 43 recognizes thatthe connected adapter is the dedicated adapter. Here, a referencevoltage 1.16V is stored in a memory 44. That is, the controller 43compares a voltage of USB D+ and D− lines with the reference voltagestored in the memory 44. If the voltage of USB D+ and D− lines isidentical with the reference voltage, the controller 43 recognizes thatan adapter connected to the connector 41 is a dedicated adapter. On theother hand, if the determined voltage is not 1.16V, the controller 43recognizes that the connected adapter is the non-dedicated adapter anddoes not charge the battery 42. Although the connected adapter is thenon-dedicated adapter, the controller 43 may also charge the battery 42.If charging power input from the seventh and eighth pins is in the rangeof rated power, the controller 43 may charge the battery 42.

Moreover, the controller 43 may include a charging circuit that reducesor increases a voltage or an electric current to charge the battery 42.The charging circuit may be included in the adapter 30 instead of themobile terminal 40. Such an adapter refers to a charger distinguishedfrom an adapter without the charging circuit.

Furthermore, the controller 43 may charge the battery 42 within a shorttime using charging power input from the twelfth and thirteenth pins.However, as previously illustrated, for example, when the charging poweris equal to or greater than 30 W to excessively charge the battery 42,the controller 43 may reduce a voltage or an electric current.

Furthermore, the controller 43 may receive power from ninth and tenthpins. Since the received power is used to manufacture or develop themobile terminal 40, it cannot charge the battery 42. When the controller43 receives power from the ninth and tenth pins, it outputs a signalindicating that the mobile terminal 40 is under testing to an externaldevice through a fifth pin. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 40 isunder testing, the controller 43 may transmit and receive a UniversalAsynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) signal being a testing signalthrough twentieth and twenty-first pins.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, a controller 43 determines whether a voltage isapplied through a VBUS line in step 51. If it is determined in step 51that the voltage is applied through a VBUS line, the controller 43determines whether data (differential signal) is input through a D line(USB D+ and D− lines) in step 52. If it is determined in step 52 thatthe data is input through a D line, the controller 43 recognizes anexternal device connected to a connector 41 as a USB data cable in step53, and the process proceeds to step 54. The controller 43 determineswhether it is possible to charge the battery 42 in step 54. Here,whether it is possible to charge the battery 42 was described earlier.Accordingly, a description thereof is omitted. If it is determined instep 54 that it is possible to charge the battery 42, the controller 43charges the battery 42 in step 58.

In contrast, if it is determined in step 52 that the data is not inputthrough a D line, the controller 43 recognizes the external deviceconnected to the connector 41 as an adapter in step 55, and the processproceeds to step 56. The controller 43 determines whether a voltage of aD line is a reference voltage, for example, 1.16V in step 56. If it isdetermined in step 56 that the voltage of the D line is the referencevoltage, the controller 43 recognizes the connected adapter as adedicated adapter in step 57 and charges the battery 42 in step 58.

In contrast, if it is determined in step 56 that the voltage of the Dline is not the reference voltage, the controller 43 recognizes theconnected adapter as a non-dedicated adapter in step 59, and the processproceeds to step 60. The controller 43 determines whether it is possibleto charge the battery 42 in step 60. If it is determined in step 60 thatit is possible to charge the battery 42, the controller 43 charges thebattery 42 in step 58.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an accessory and a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, an accessory 60 may include a connector 61 and anaccessory IDentification Resistor 62 (R_(ID)). The accessory 60 mayincrease or change functions and effects of the mobile terminal 70. Forexample, the accessory 60 may include an earphone, a headphone, acamera, a keypad, a mouse, a docking station, a data cable, a data cablewith a charging function, an adapter, a charger, an external hard disk,or a USB memory.

In the forgoing construction, the connector 61 may include thirteenthand fourteenth pins. The thirteenth pin connects with a ground throughthe accessory identification resistor 62 (R_(ID)). The fourteenth pindirectly connects with the ground.

The connector 61 may include at least one pin as well as the foregoingpins. For example, when the accessory 60 is an earphone, the connector61 further includes twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth pins. When theaccessory 60 is a camera, the connector 61 further includes third andfourth pins. When it is necessary to supply power to the accessory 60,the connector 61 further includes first, second, and sixth pins. Theaccessory identification resistor 62 has different resistances dependingon the type of accessory. For example, the resistances of the accessoryidentification resistor 62 may be listed in a following Table 2.

TABLE 2 ID resistance A/D converter No (KΩ, 1%) input voltage (V)Accessories — Open 3.30 Dock Station (Identify according to presence ofdata communication) 1 100.0 3.00 Reserved 2 56.0 2.80 Accessory for Jig3 36.0 2.58 Reserved 4 27.0 2.41 Reserved 5 20.0 2.20 Camera ConnectionKit 6 15.0 1.98 Reserved 7 12.0 1.80 Reserved 8 9.1 1.57 Reserved 9 7.21.38 Reserved 10 5.6 1.18 Reserved 11 4.3 1.00 Reserved 12 3.1 0.78Reserved 13 2.2 0.60 Reserved 14 1.3 0.38 Reserved 15 0.56 0.18 Reserved16 0.0 0.00 TA exceeding Reserved_10 W (24 V)

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a mobile terminal 70 may include a connector71, a memory 72, a comparator 73, an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)78, and a controller 74. The controller 74 recognizes a type of anexternal device connected to the connector 71 and may include all ofthirty pins for extension of an interface.

The following are main functions of the controller 71. If a voltagelevel of an accessory detection line 75 changes from a high level Vcc toa low level GND, the controller 71 recognizes that the accessory 60connects with the connector 71. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the accessorydetection line connects the controller 71 to a fourteenth pin and Vcc.

When a voltage level input from the comparator 73 changes from low tohigh, that is, when an interrupt signal is input from the comparator 73while the mobile terminal 70 is in a sleep mode, the controller 71wakes-up. Here, a negative (−) input terminal of the comparator 73connects with a thirteen pin and a pull-up voltage (e.g., 3.3V) througha pull-up resistor (e.g., of 10 KΩ). A positive (+) terminal of thecomparator 73 connects with a reference voltage (e.g., 3.15V). Thecomparator 73 compares a voltage (3.3V or VR_(ID)) input from thenegative (−) input terminal with the reference voltage input from thepositive (+) terminal. When the input voltage (3.3V or VR_(ID)) is lessthan the reference voltage, the comparator 73 outputs a high levelsignal. When the input voltage (3.3V or VR_(ID)) is equal to or greaterthan the reference voltage, the comparator 73 outputs a low-levelsignal. Here, VR_(ID) means a voltage across the identification resistor62 (R_(ID)).

Furthermore, the controller 71 compares a voltage input from anaccessory identification line 76 connected to a thirteenth pin with areference table 72 a to recognize a type of an accessory 60 connected tothe connector 71. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, one end of the accessoryidentification line 76 connects with the ADC 78 and another end thereofconnects with a line connecting the thirteenth pin to a pull-upresistor. The ADC 78 converts an input analog signal into a digitalsignal, and outputs the digital signal to the controller 74. Thecontroller 74 analyzes the digital signal input from the ADC 78 tocalculate a voltage. The ADC 78 may be included in the controller 74.The reference table 72 a is stored in the memory 72 as illustrated inTable 2. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theaccessory 60 has different identification resistors R_(ID) (62) by atype thereof. Accordingly, a voltage input to the controller 74 throughthe identification line 76 is different by accessories connected to theconnector 71. When a voltage input from an accessory identification line76 is 3.3V in a low voltage level state of an accessory detection line75, the controller 71 recognizes a connected accessory as a dockingstation. When the input voltage is 2.2V, the controller 71 recognizesthe connected accessory as a camera connection kit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a docking station according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a docking station 80 connects another accessory 60to the mobile terminal 70. The docking station 80 may include a firstconnector 81 connected with another accessory 61 and a second connector82 connected with the mobile terminal 70. The first connector 81includes a thirteenth pin and at least one other pin. The secondconnector 82 includes thirteenth and fourteenth pins and at least oneother pin. The thirteenth pin of the first connector 81 connects withthe thirteenth pin of the second connector 82 without a separateresistor. The fourteenth pin of the second connector 82 connects with aground.

If the accessory detection line 75 has a high-level voltage and avoltage applied from the accessory identification line 76 is a pull-upvoltage (3.3V), the controller 74 recognizes that a docking station 80connects with the connector 71 and another accessory 60 does not connectwith the docking station 80.

In a state that the accessory detection line 75 has a high-level voltageand a voltage applied from the accessory identification line 76 is not apull-up voltage (3.3V), if the voltage applied from the accessoryidentification line 76 changes to the pull-up voltage (3.3V), thecontroller 74 recognizes that another accessory 60 is removed from thedocking station 80.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.It is assumed that the flowchart of FIG. 7 starts in an active modecapable of detecting a change in a voltage level of the accessorydetection line 75 by the controller 74.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow is illustrated in a case of connecting theaccessory 60 to the mobile terminal 70 by a user, connecting the dockingstation 80 to the mobile terminal 70 and then connecting the accessory60 to the docking station 80 by the user, or connecting the accessory 60to the docking station 80 and then connecting the docking station 80 tothe mobile terminal 70.

In step 91, a controller 74 determines whether a voltage level in anaccessory detection line 75 is low. If it is determined in step 91 thatthe voltage level of the accessory detection line 75 is low, the processproceeds to step 92. The controller 74 determines whether a voltage ofthe accessory identification line 76 is a pull-up voltage (3.3V) in step92.

If it is determined in step 92 that the voltage of the accessoryidentification line 76 is the pull-up voltage, the process proceeds tostep 93. The controller 74 recognizes an accessory connected with aconnector 71 as a docking station 80 in step 93, and the processproceeds to step 94. The controller 74 determines whether the accessoryidentification line 76 maintains the pull-up voltage (3.3V) in step 94.If it is determined in step 94 that the accessory identification line 76does not maintain the pull-up voltage, the process proceeds to step 95.In contrast, if it is determined in step 94 that the accessoryidentification line 76 maintains the pull-up voltage, the processproceeds to step 97. The controller 74 recognizes a type of an accessory60 connected with the docking station 80 in step 95, and the processproceeds to step 96. The controller 74 determines whether a voltage ofthe accessory identification line 76 is a pull-up voltage (3.3V) in step96. If it is determined in step 96 that the voltage of the accessoryidentification line 76 is the pull-up voltage, the process proceeds tostep 97. A controller 74 determines whether a voltage level of anaccessory detection line 75 is high in step 97. If it is determined instep 97 that the voltage level of the accessory detection line 75 ishigh, the controller 74 recognizes that connection between the dockingstation 80 and the accessory 60 is canceled, and the process iscompleted. In contrast, if it is determined in step 97 that the voltagelevel of the accessory detection line 75 is low, the process proceeds tostep 93.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 92 that the voltage ofthe accessory identification line 76 is not the pull-up voltage, theprocess proceeds to step 98. The controller 74 recognizes a type of anaccessory connected to the connector 71 by referring to the referencetable 72 a in step 98, and the process proceeds to step 96. In thiscase, the connector 71 directly connects with the accessory 60 orconnects with the accessory 60 through the docking station 80.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an interface method of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, for example, when there is no input from a userthrough a user interface means (e.g., a touch screen) for a predefinedtime, the controller 74 switches an operation mode of a mobile terminal70 from an active mode to a sleep mode in step 101. Here, the sleep modemay be defined as a mode in which only a minimum function is performedfor saving a battery resource. For example, the controller 74 closes ascreen in the sleep mode. Furthermore, the controller 74 does not act onchange in a voltage level of a detection line 75.

When an interrupt signal from a comparator 73 is input to the controller74 in step 102, it cancels the sleep mode and the process proceeds tostep 103. In step 103, the controller 74 recognizes a type of anaccessory connected to a connector 71 by referring to a reference table72 a. In this case, the connector 71 directly connects with theaccessory 60 or connects with the accessory 60 through the dockingstation 80.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal and a dockingstation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a mobile terminal 110 may include a connector 111and a controller 112. The connector 111 includes seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth pins. The controller 112 controls output of aMobile High-definition Link (MHL) type audio/video signal. Here, asshown in FIG. 9, an MHL identification line 113 connects the controller112 to a nineteenth pin and Vcc.

The docking station 120 includes a connector 121, an encoder 122, and aHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal 123. The connector121 includes a seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth pins. The encoder121 converts an MHL into an HDMI and outputs the HDMI to the HDMIterminal 123. The HDMI terminal 123 connects with an HDMI cable.

If a voltage level of the MHL identification line 113 changes from highto low, the controller 112 recognizes that a docking station 120including an encoder 112 connects with a connector 111, and outputs anMHL to the docking station 120 through seventeenth and eighteenth pins.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a keypad and a mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, a keypad 130 may include a connector 131 with atwenty-fourth pin, a plurality of switches 132, and a plurality ofresistors R1, R2, R3 . . . Rn, forming a plurality of sets. One terminalof each set connects with a ground and another terminal thereof connectswith the twenty-fourth pin. Here, each of the plurality of resistors R1,R2, R3 . . . Rn has a key value, listed in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 ID resistance A/D converter No (KΩ, 1%) Input voltage (V) Keydefinition — Open 3.30 Open 1 100.0 3.00 2 56.0 2.80 REC 3 36.0 2.58 427.0 2.41 FF or Channel UP 5 20.0 2.20 6 15.0 1.98 REV or Channel Down 712.0 1.80 8 9.1 1.57 Volume UP 9 7.2 1.38 10 5.6 1.18 Volume DOWN 11 4.31.00 12 3.1 0.78 DMB (hot key) or Radio 13 2.2 0.60 14 1.3 0.38PLAY/PAUSE/STOP 15 0.56 0.18 16 0.0 0.00 SEND/END

Referring to FIG. 10, a mobile terminal 140 may include a connector 141,a controller 142, a memory 143, a comparator 144, and an ADC 145. Theconnector includes a twenty-fourth pin. The controller 142 recognizes atype of a keypad 130 connected to the connector 141. The memory 143stores a key value reference table 143 a as listed in Table 3. When thekeypad 130 connects with the connector 141, the comparator 144 generatesand outputs an interrupt signal to the controller 142. The ADC 145converts an analog signal input from a twenty-fourth pin into a digitalsignal and outputs the digital signal to the controller 142.

When a user pushes the keypad 130 to generate an interrupt signal fromthe comparator 144, the controller 142 compares a voltage input from akey value detection line 146 with a key value reference table 143 a torecognize a type of a pushed key.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined bythe appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a connector including afirst set of pins for data communication and a second set of pins forpower charge; and a processor, operatively coupled with the connector,configured to: receive a voltage via at least one of the first set ofpins, determine whether the voltage falls into a specified range, chargea battery operatively coupled with the apparatus using a first voltageor a first current based at least in part on a first determination thatthe voltage falls into the specified range, and charge the battery usinga second voltage or a second current based at least in part on a seconddetermination that the voltage does not fall into the specified range,wherein the processor is further configured to receive the first voltageor the first current via a first subset of the second set of pins, orthe second voltage or the second current via a second subset of thesecond set of pins, wherein the first subset comprises a first pin, andthe second subset comprises a second pin, and wherein the battery ischarged faster when charged through the first pin than when chargedthrough the second pin.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to perform the receiving of the voltagebased at least in part on receiving another voltage via at least one ofthe second set of pins.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theconnector is further configured to receive the voltage via an electronicdevice external to the apparatus, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to determine a type of the electronic device based at leastin part on the voltage.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein theprocessor is further configured to determine the type of the electronicdevice as a dedicated adapter based at least in part on a determinationthat the voltage corresponds to a reference value.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to determine thetype of the electronic device as a non-dedicated adapter based at leastin part on a determination that the voltage does not correspond to areference value.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the processor isfurther configured to determine the type of the electronic device as adata cable with a charging function based at least in part on adetermination that a signal corresponding to the voltage comprises adifferential signal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processoris further configured to refrain from charging the battery based atleast in part on a determination that power received via at least one ofthe second set of pins falls into a specified range.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the connector comprises: a third set of pins to be usedto control multimedia content being displayed via a display operativelycoupled with the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises: a third set of pins to be used to identify anaccessory operatively coupled with the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of an earphone, aheadphone, a camera, a keypad, a mouse, a docking station, a data cable,a data cable with a charging function, an adapter, a charger, anexternal hard disk, or a universal serial bus memory.
 11. A methodcomprising: receiving, at an electronic device including a connectorincluding a first set of pins for data communication and a second set ofpins for power charge, a voltage via at least one of the first set ofpins; determining whether the voltage falls into a specified range;charging a battery operatively coupled with the electronic device usinga first voltage or a first current based at least in part on a firstdetermination that the voltage falls into the specified range; andcharging the battery using a second voltage or a second current based atleast in part on a second determination that the voltage does not fallinto the specified range, wherein the charging of the battery comprisesreceiving the first voltage or the first current via a first subset ofthe second set of pins, or the second voltage or the second current viaa second subset of the second set of pins, wherein the first subsetcomprises a first pin, and the second subset comprises a second pin, andwherein the battery is charged faster when charged through the first pinthan when charged through the second pin.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the receiving of the voltage is performed based at least in parton receiving another voltage via at least one of the second set of pins.13. The method of claim 11, wherein the connector receives the voltagevia another electronic device external to the electronic device, andwherein the determining of whether the voltage falls into a specifiedrange comprises determining a type of the other electronic device basedat least in part on the voltage.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thetype of the other electronic device is determined as a corresponding oneof a dedicated adapter, a non-dedicated adapter, or a data cable basedat least in part on a value of the voltage.
 15. A non-transitorymachine-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executedby at least one processors, cause the at least one processors to performoperations comprising: receiving, at an electronic device including aconnector including a first set of pins for data communication and asecond set of pins for power charge, a voltage via at least one of thefirst set of pins; determining whether the voltage falls into aspecified range; charging a battery operatively coupled with theelectronic device using a first voltage or a first current based atleast in part on a first determination that the voltage falls into thespecified range; and charging the battery using a second voltage or asecond current based at least in part on a second determination that thevoltage does not fall into the specified range, wherein the charging ofthe battery comprises receiving the first voltage or the first currentvia a first subset of the second set of pins, or the second voltage orthe second current via a second subset of the second set of pins,wherein the first subset comprises a first pin, and the second subsetcomprises a second pin, and wherein the battery is charged faster whencharged through the first pin than when charged through the second pin.16. An apparatus comprising: a connector including a first set of pinsfor data communication and a second set of pins for power charge; and aprocessor, operatively coupled with the connector, configured to:receive a voltage via at least one of the first set of pins, determinewhether the voltage falls into a specified range, charge a batteryoperatively coupled with the apparatus using a first voltage or a firstcurrent based at least in part on a first determination that the voltagefalls into the specified range, and charge the battery using a secondvoltage or a second current based at least in part on a seconddetermination that the voltage does not fall into the specified range,wherein the processor is further configured to receive the first voltageor the first current via a first subset of the second set of pins, orthe second voltage or the second current via a second subset of thesecond set of pins, wherein the first subset comprises a first pin, andthe second subset comprises a second pin, and wherein a first chargingcapacity corresponding to the first pin is greater than a secondcharging capacity corresponding to the second pin.